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ChannelMaster ID help and a how-to FM question

T

tin_ear

Active Member
I've been reading many of the threads on antennae, but I still need some help. I recently picked up a used CM TV antenna and its a huge one, probably ten or more years old. I also have a rotor for it. I've been trying to ID it and having no luck so far, hoping someone here can help with that(?)
189" L x 110" W x 8" H.

edit: it has 84 elements, if I counted properly.

Now the tuner-related questions: I have several tuners in two different rooms (SX790 currently on front room rotation, G22K leading backroom)
I need to know whether this particulsr unit can be used for FM and how, (exactly) I would hook the FM up to the unit which will be RG-6 connected. Do I need some Radio Shack widget? And what about being able to piggy-back other tuners on as well?
Yes, I know,...here are the pics!:thmbsp:

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Can someone tell me the purpose of this CB? Amplifier? Attenuator? FM filter?
109933980.jpg


Also, there is a "Trap IN/ Trap Out" switch.. over my head, I'm afraid.
Thanks
 
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A gizmo that I use is an old video switchbox. It was used in the glorydays of VCR's and cable TV, to provide matrixing for multiple antennas, TV's, and VCR's. It works great for FM signals, and uses f-type jacks, so it would be no problem with the RG-6 feedline.

Sorry, can't help you on the antenna. Although, it looks like there is an FM trap, that can be switched out (turned off). And that's probably a wideband antenna, for the entire VHF/UHF spectrum. The FM band actually sits between channels 6 and 7, which is why dedicated FM antennas are narrowband.
 
Topside amplifier / FM trap. Needs the bottom side power supply unit.
 
If your using this for TV and you have a close-by FM station ,the trap will block the FM signal. If you want to use this for FM you need to totally by-pass the FM trap.( Trap out switch position)....If you don't have the bottom side power supply you can still use the antenna without the amplifier.But will require a slight modification...PM me for details.
 
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Thanks a bunch for that! If I understand this (always a stretch), thus item is an amplifier and a power supply and I could just use the PS since my antenna has the amp built in. This assumes that the amp on my unit still works and that the PS is compatible with it. Probably the better bet for me would be to bypass the built-in amp to make it just a straight antenna...then I can always add amplification later if needed. I'm thinking that as big as this aerial is, I should be able to get by without the amp.
Thats what I'd like to try, if you guys could tell me how to bypass it.
Thanks :thmbsp:
 
If I understand this (always a stretch), thus item is an amplifier and a power supply and I could just use the PS since my antenna has the amp built in. This assumes that the amp on my unit still works and that the PS is compatible with it.
Click to expand...
Nope..You would need to remove the useless hardware (amplifier) from the antenna and install the new amplifier... :yes:
 
avionic said:
Nope..You would need to remove the useless hardware (amplifier) from the antenna and install the new amplifier... :yes:
Click to expand...

OK, I'll bite...Here's what I now understand:
1.The new amplifier is strictly an in-line device; it would mount very close to the antenna but would connect to the antenna via a jumper coax with F connectors.
2. I get (from your post) that the old amp is junk regardless of having a power supply.
3. This means that removing the old amp would need to be done whether I amplify or not. Did I follow that right?

The HOW-TO on removing the old junk and hooking up the new F connector is the info I need next,I guess.
 
tin_ear said:
OK, I'll bite...Here's what I now understand:
1.The new amplifier is strictly an in-line device; it would mount very close to the antenna but would connect to the antenna via a jumper coax with F connectors.
2. I get (from your post) that the old amp is junk regardless of having a power supply.
3. This means that removing the old amp would need to be done whether I amplify or not. Did I follow that right?

The HOW-TO on removing the old junk and hooking up the new F connector is the info I need next,I guess.
Click to expand...

You need to get a 300 ohm-75 ohm balun(first picture). You will see in the second picture where the balun needs to be connected.I would try and retain the plastic box and just remove the circuit board.
Can get a balun at walmart or Ratshck for a couple george W's..
2. I get (from your post) that the old amp is junk regardless of having a power supply.
Click to expand...
The old amp is junk without a power supply. That power supply has long since been discontinued and no longer available.And even in the very remote (very ,very remote) possibility of finding the correct model you still have no idea the amp is still working ie. Lightning,corrosion etc. If you need a amp the best bet is get a new unit.They are probably 10 times better than the antique you currently possess ever was..
 

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avionic said:
You need to get a 300 ohm-75 ohm balun(first picture). You will see in the second picture where the balun needs to be connected.I would try and retain the plastic box and just remove the circuit board.
Can get a balun at walmart or Ratshck for a couple george W's..
The old amp is junk without a power supply. That power supply has long since been discontinued and no longer available.And even in the very remote (very ,very remote) possibility of finding the correct model you still have no idea the amp is still working ie. Lightning,corrosion etc. If you need a amp the best bet is get a new unit.They are probably 10 times better than the antique you currently possess ever was..
Click to expand...

I would agree whole-heartedly with everything you said. Thanks for picture guide, that is exactly the help I need.:thmbsp::banana:

Next question, inorder to get full use of the FM for my tuners is a simple A-B switch (TV-Game switch) the way to go? Is there any way to perform both functions at once? If so, by using a splitter?
 
mhardy6647 said:
Judging by the funky elements on the UHF section, it's one of the Channel Master "Quantum" antennas (I think).

see the thing in the top of this photo:

aps14l.jpg

from http://www.qsl.net/k7wv/index.htm

oy, take a look at this thread: http://images.google.com/imgres?img...hannel+master+quantum+antenna&hl=en&sa=N&um=1
Click to expand...

That pic looks almost identical to it except maybe a few elements smaller.

The one in the link (what a wealth of info!!!) appears to be exactly the same as the FM/VHF part but w/o the UHF section that mine has. I get the impression that this unit was highly regarded in it's day.
 
so, by using a splitter?
Click to expand...
:yes: 2-set splitter..1 to TV and the other to your stereo reciever or tuner.
 
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Yeah the Quantum was hot stuff in the 1970s. My father installed a number of them; he put one on our house 'way back then that was still there and in use when he moved two years ago.
 
mhardy6647 said:
Yeah the Quantum was hot stuff in the 1970s. My father installed a number of them; he put one on our house 'way back then that was still there and in use when he moved two years ago.
Click to expand...

Yeppers , I installed a shitload of them when I was working at a local RCA TV repair shop back in the mid 70's. Towers ,rotors ,amplifiers ,FM traps ,distribution systems/amplifiers...Main supplier was channelmaster but also had cheaper RCA's...Used to work for this gentleman..Homer
 

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It looks Homer's book is one I should try to find!

I'm hoping to get this antenna installed this weekend, maybe. I can't wait to see the results, as FM reception is lousy here and DISH won't provide my locals.
I'm looking forward to a new viewing experience at my place.
If this monster antenna will let me gather in a decent selection, I might just drop the Dish! From the info you guys have provided, it looks like this unit is the same as a CM 1111, but with the added UHF section...is that the "1160"?
At fifteen foot-nine and 84 elements, is this thing a record-holder?
 
At fifteen foot-nine and 84 elements, is this thing a record-holder?
Click to expand...
Probably not..But hopefully enough gain for your fringe area.
 
Thanks for the info.
Now, more questions! Since you guys have lots of experience with these installs, tell me about rotators. This antenna came with an old channel master rotator that could be as old as the antenna, but I'm not sure. It is as yet untested. The unit looks just like the one shown on the CM website; reviews of that unit are not good at all and there is mention of the recent versions being made in China and being junk. The one I have has no model number or any other info except Channel Master on the cover.
Is there a simple way to tell if this one is imported or not? If it is the USA made version, how long do they last?
If it needs replacement, what brand to buy? (considering the monster antenna)
 
Thanks, I will definitely test it before install. I don't know if it means much, but the new ones are painted grey...mine is a very seventies Harvest Gold!
 
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